SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters there is a split, three-day, special antlerless deer season for youth, persons with disabilities (Class Q/QQ), and senior citizens (Class XS) scheduled for this fall. The first segment of this season is Oct. 19 and the second segment is Dec. 26-27. This season is open on private and public lands in counties having a firearms deer hunting season.

Youth hunters ages 8-17 may participate in this special antlerless deer season; however, hunters ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Hunters ages 15-17 are required to have a base hunting license. Senior citizens (65 years and older) who have purchased a lifetime senior citizen hunting/trapping/fishing license (Class XS) may also participate in this special antlerless deer season. Hunters participating in this season must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange.

The daily bag limit during this special season is one antlerless deer per day for a total of three antlerless deer for the season. These harvested deer do not count toward the hunter’s annual deer season bag limit, and Class N/NN stamps are not required for this antlerless deer season. All harvested deer must be checked at an official game checking station within 24 hours of the close of each segment of this special split season and before hunting an additional deer during the second segment of this season.

“This season provides a great opportunity to get youngsters out into the field,” noted DNR Director Frank Jezioro, “The accompanying adults can focus their attention on these young hunters and make sure they are having a safe and enjoyable hunt. Other eligible hunters who participate in this special antlerless deer season can avoid the competition and pressure that may occur during the regular deer seasons.”

Refer to the 2013-14 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for further details on the special split antlerless deer season for Youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS hunters. Hunters also may contact any DNR district office with any questions and for more information.